A rail changing mechanism, a circular rail car transportation system and a warehousing device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of rail changing mechanism, annular rail car transport system and warehousing equipment, wherein rail changing mechanism is used for annular rail car switches between main track and sub-track, including bearing platform and drive assembly, the bearing platform is provided with first track, the drive assembly is used to drive the bearing platform moves, to make the first track with the main track or the sub-track is in communication. By applying the rail changing mechanism of the utility model, the problems of cumbersome rail changing operation, low efficiency, high cost and unstable rail changing in the existing annular rail car transport system can be solved, realizing the quick, stable and reliable rail change of annular rail car between main track and sub-track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of circular railcar transportation technology, and in particular to a rail-changing mechanism, a circular railcar transportation system, and storage equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In a circular railcar transportation system, the circular railcars typically run in a loop along a predetermined route on the main track to complete the transportation of goods. However, in practical applications, it is necessary to inspect and maintain some of the circular railcars, or temporarily adjust their operating routes according to production needs.

[0003] Most existing circular railcar transport systems lack effective track-changing mechanisms. When the aforementioned operations need to be performed on the circular railcar, it is often necessary to stop the entire transport system, remove the circular railcar from the main track, perform the necessary operations, and then reinstall it on the main track. This method is not only cumbersome and inefficient, but also causes the entire transport system to be shut down for extended periods, severely impacting production efficiency and the completion of transport tasks. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a track-changing mechanism that can solve the problems of cumbersome track-changing operations, low efficiency, high cost, and unstable track-changing in existing circular railcar transportation systems, enabling rapid, stable, and reliable track changing between the main track and the auxiliary track of the circular railcar.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a track-changing mechanism is used for a circular track vehicle to switch between a main track and a secondary track. The mechanism includes a support platform and a drive assembly. The support platform is provided with a first track, and the drive assembly is used to drive the support platform to move so that the first track is connected to the main track or the secondary track.

[0006] The track-changing mechanism according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: The track-changing mechanism of this utility model enables rapid track switching between the main track and the auxiliary track of the circular railcar without stopping the operation of the entire transportation system, greatly shortening the track-changing time and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, it has a simple structure, is easy to install and maintain, and reduces costs. By precisely controlling the drive components, the carrying platform can move accurately, ensuring precise connection between the first track and the main track or auxiliary track, avoiding problems such as bumps and derailment when the circular railcar switches tracks, thus improving the safety and stability of the circular railcar operation. Moreover, the track-changing mechanism can be flexibly adjusted according to different track layouts and specifications, making it suitable for various application scenarios and improving the versatility and adaptability of the mechanism.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is a gap between the first track and the main track or the secondary track, and the gap is no greater than 1 mm.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main track is used to carry multiple of the circular railcars, and the secondary track is used to buffer at least one of the circular railcars;

[0009] And / or, the main track, the secondary track, and the first track are all "I" shaped structures.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second track is also included, along which the carrying platform moves, and the second track is perpendicular to the first track.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a second track is also included, along which the supporting platform moves. The second track is an "I"-shaped slide rail, and a guide slider is provided at the bottom of the supporting platform, which is engaged with the second track.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving component includes a driving member, a transmission member, and a passive member. The driving member is connected to the bearing platform, and the driving member drives the transmission member to move. The passive member is fixedly installed, and the transmission member interacts with the passive member to move the bearing platform.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the passive component includes a rack, the transmission component includes a gear, and the driving component includes a motor. The motor drives the gear to rotate, and the gear meshes with the rack for transmission.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a positioning component is also included. The positioning component includes a mounting rod, a sensing component connected to the mounting rod, and a controller. The controller is electrically connected to the driving component and the sensing component. The sensing component is used to acquire position information when the first track is in communication with the main track and the secondary track, and send it to the controller to control the driving component to stop running.

[0015] The circular railcar transportation system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes one or more track-changing mechanisms as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0016] The circular railcar transportation system according to this utility model embodiment has at least the following beneficial effects: one or more track-changing mechanisms are rationally installed and configured according to cargo transportation needs and warehouse layout, realizing centralized management and scheduling of the track-changing mechanisms. When cargo needs to be transported, the control system automatically plans the running route of the circular railcar according to the storage location and destination of the cargo, and realizes the switching of the circular railcar between different tracks through the track-changing mechanisms to complete the cargo transportation and storage tasks. Furthermore, when the circular railcar needs maintenance, upkeep, or repair, the track-changing mechanisms perform real-time track-changing buffering or directly import the cargo to the maintenance station, simplifying the maintenance and upkeep process of the circular railcar and facilitating its use.

[0017] The storage equipment according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the circular railcar transportation system described above.

[0018] The warehousing equipment according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: By applying the above-mentioned track-changing mechanism, the circular track car in the warehousing equipment can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs, improving the flexibility of cargo transportation. Furthermore, by realizing rapid, stable, and reliable track changing between the main track and the auxiliary track, the maintenance and upkeep procedures of the circular track car are simplified.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the track-changing mechanism of this utility model installed on the main track and the auxiliary track.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the track-changing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom view of the track-changing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Reference numerals: Main track 100; Sub-track 200; Supporting platform 300; First track 310; Second track 320; Drive assembly 330; Motor 331; Gear 332; Rack 333; Guide rail 340; Positioning assembly 400; Mounting rod 410; Sensing assembly 420. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model based on the specific content of the technical solution. In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2and Figure 3 This utility model proposes a track-changing mechanism, mainly composed of a support platform 300 and a drive assembly 330. It features a simple structure and is easy to install and maintain. Specifically, the support platform 300 is the main support component of the track-changing mechanism, on which a first track 310 is mounted. The specifications and shape of the first track 310 match the main track 100 and the auxiliary track 200 to ensure that the circular track vehicle can smoothly switch between the first track 310, the main track 100, and the auxiliary track 200. It should be noted that the support platform 300 is made of high-strength material and has sufficient load-bearing capacity to withstand the weight of the circular track vehicle and its transported goods, ensuring that it will not deform or be damaged during track switching.

[0030] The drive assembly 330 is used to drive the support platform 300 to move, so that the first track 310 is connected to the main track 100 or the auxiliary track 200. The drive assembly 330 can adopt various driving methods, such as electric drive, hydraulic drive, etc. In this embodiment, an electric drive method is adopted, which has the advantages of smooth driving, high control precision, and fast response speed.

[0031] In a specific embodiment, when the circular track vehicle needs to switch from the main track 100 to the secondary track 200, the control unit receives the switching signal and controls the drive assembly 330 to start, driving the support platform 300 to move. When the support platform 300 moves to a predetermined position, precisely connecting the first track 310 and the secondary track 200, the control unit controls the motor 331 to stop rotating, and the support platform 300 stops moving. At this time, the circular track vehicle can smoothly move from the main track 100 into the first track 310, and then into the secondary track 200. When the circular track vehicle needs to switch back from the secondary track 200 to the main track 100, the working process is similar to the above process, except that the direction of movement of the support platform 300 is reversed.

[0032] Understandably, the track-changing mechanism of this utility model enables rapid track switching between the main track 100 and the auxiliary track 200 for the circular railcar without stopping the operation of the entire transportation system, greatly shortening the track-changing time and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, its simple structure facilitates installation and maintenance, reducing costs. By precisely controlling the drive component 330, the carrying platform 300 can move accurately, ensuring precise connection between the first track 310 and the main track 100 or the auxiliary track 200, avoiding problems such as bumps and derailment during track switching, thus improving the safety and stability of the circular railcar operation. Moreover, the track-changing mechanism can be flexibly adjusted according to different track layouts and specifications, making it suitable for various application scenarios and improving the mechanism's versatility and adaptability.

[0033] Reference Figure 1In some embodiments, the first track 310, main track 100, and auxiliary track 200 of the track-changing mechanism are all manufactured using high-precision machining processes. During installation, a laser rangefinder is used to precisely measure and adjust the gaps between the first track 310 and the main track 100 and auxiliary track 200. After multiple measurements and fine adjustments, it is ensured that the gaps between the first track 310 and the main track 100 and auxiliary track 200 all meet the requirement of not exceeding 1mm. Furthermore, the main track 100, auxiliary track 200, and first track 310 are all made of high-strength steel, and their surfaces undergo special treatment to improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0034] The smaller track clearance significantly reduces the impact and vibration between the wheels and the rails when the circular railcar switches tracks, effectively protecting goods from damage and reducing wheel wear, thus extending wheel life. Furthermore, precise track clearance control helps improve the positioning accuracy of the circular railcar, enabling it to stop more accurately at designated locations, thereby improving the overall operational efficiency and reliability of the transportation system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the main track 100 is used to carry multiple circular railcars and is the main operating track of the circular railcar transportation system. The auxiliary track 200 serves as a buffer for the circular railcars. When the circular railcars need to be inspected, maintained, or their operating routes adjusted according to production needs, they can be transferred from the main track 100 to the auxiliary track 200. Simultaneously, the main track 100, auxiliary track 200, and first track 310 all adopt an "I"-shaped structure to ensure sufficient load-bearing capacity and stability. The "I"-shaped structure has good load-bearing capacity and stability, capable of supporting the weight of the circular railcars and the goods they transport, reducing the risk of track deformation and damage, and improving the service life of the tracks.

[0036] Understandably, the main track 100 can carry multiple circular railcars simultaneously, while the secondary track 200 can buffer some of the circular railcars, allowing the transportation system to flexibly adjust the distribution of the circular railcars according to actual needs, thereby improving transportation efficiency.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The track-changing mechanism proposed in this utility model also includes a second track 320. Specifically, the second track 320 is a steel track, arranged perpendicularly to the first track 310, allowing the carrying platform 300 to move smoothly on the second track 320. The arrangement of the second track 320 enables the carrying platform 300 to perform track switching operations at different positions, improving the flexibility and applicability of the track-changing mechanism and meeting the transportation needs in different scenarios. Furthermore, the vertical second track 320 can be flexibly set according to the warehouse layout and transportation requirements, optimizing the layout of the entire transportation system. Optionally, limit devices are provided at both ends of the second track 320 to prevent the carrying platform 300 from sliding off the track.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the second track 320 is an "I"-shaped slide rail made of aluminum alloy, characterized by its light weight and high strength. A guide slider is installed at the bottom of the support platform 300, which fits tightly with the "I"-shaped slide rail. During installation, adjusting the gap between the guide slider and the slide rail ensures that the support platform 300 can move smoothly and steadily on the second track 320. It is easy to understand that the "I"-shaped slide rail and guide slider have a simple structure, are easy to install and maintain, and reduce costs. The guide slider, engaged with the second track 320, guides the support platform 300 to move along a predetermined path, preventing deviation or swaying during movement and improving the stability of the circular track vehicle during track changing.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The drive assembly 330 of the track-changing mechanism consists of an active component, a driven component, and a passive component. In some embodiments, the active component is a motor 331, the transmission component is a gear 332, and the passive component is a rack 333. The motor 331 is fixed to the support platform 300 by bolts, the gear 332 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 331, and the rack 333 is fixed to the track foundation or track support. When track switching is required, the motor 331 starts, driving the gear 332 to rotate. The gear 332 meshes with the rack 333, causing the support platform 300 to move along the second track 320, thus switching the first track 310 with the main track 100 or the auxiliary track 200. The gear 332 and rack 333 transmission method has the characteristics of high transmission efficiency and high positioning accuracy, enabling precise control of the movement of the support platform 300 and ensuring precise connection between the first track 310 and the main track 100 or the auxiliary track 200. Furthermore, during the transmission process, the meshing of gear 332 and rack 333 is smooth, reducing vibration and noise, and improving the smoothness and reliability of the track-changing mechanism.

[0040] In other embodiments, the driving component is a hydraulic pump station, including a hydraulic pump, a motor 331, an oil tank, and a hydraulic valve assembly. The transmission component is a hydraulic cylinder, and the driven component is a stop block or fixed bracket mounted on the track, serving as a reference for the end point of the piston rod's extension and retraction stroke, indirectly assisting in the positioning of the support platform 300. When it is necessary to drive the support platform 300 to move, the hydraulic pump operates, pressing hydraulic oil into the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder, pushing the piston rod to extend or retract, thereby driving the support platform 300 to move along the second track 320. When the support platform 300 moves to the designated position, the hydraulic valve assembly controls the pressure holding of the hydraulic cylinder, allowing the support platform 300 to stably stop at that position. The hydraulic drive can provide a large driving force, easily pushing the heavy-duty support platform 300 to move. It is suitable for large track-changing mechanisms with high load-bearing capacity requirements, relatively slow operating speeds, and large driving forces. Furthermore, the hydraulic drive has good buffering performance, enabling the support platform 300 to be more stable during start-up, stopping, and operation, reducing impact on the track and equipment.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the track-changing mechanism is equipped with a positioning component 400. A mounting rod 410 is fixed to the track foundation or track support. A sensing component 420, employing a high-precision laser sensor, is mounted on the mounting rod 410 and can accurately measure the relative position of the first track 310 with the main track 100 and the auxiliary track 200. A controller is installed in the electrical control cabinet and is electrically connected to the drive component 330 and the sensing component 420 via cables. When the support platform 300 moves, the laser sensor monitors the relative position information of the first track 310 with the main track 100 and the auxiliary track 200 in real time and transmits the data to the controller. When the first track 310 is precisely connected to either the main track 100 or the auxiliary track 200, the controller receives the signal and immediately controls the drive component 330 to stop operating. The positioning component 400 enables automated control of the track-changing mechanism, reduces manual intervention, and improves the efficiency and accuracy of track changing.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, the mounting rod 410 serves as a support structure for the sensing component 420, providing mechanical strength and stability. The sensing component 420 may employ two inductive proximity switches, respectively mounted on both sides of the mounting rod 410, to detect the docking position of the first track 310 with the main track 100 and the auxiliary track 200. Alternatively, a pressure sensor may be used to detect the track docking pressure, ensuring the reliability of the mechanical connection. When the first track 310 docks with either the main track 100 or the auxiliary track 200, the metal plate on the track surface enters the sensor's detection range, triggering a high-level signal. When both inductive sensors trigger high-level signals, and the pressure sensor voltage is ≥5V, the track docking is considered complete. In other embodiments, the sensing component 420 may also integrate an industrial camera, achieving visual-assisted positioning through deep learning algorithms.

[0043] This utility model also proposes a circular railcar transportation system, comprising one or more track-changing mechanisms as described above. The track-changing mechanisms are rationally installed and configured according to cargo transportation needs and warehouse layout, enabling centralized management and scheduling. When cargo needs to be transported, the control system automatically plans the circular railcar's route based on the cargo's storage location and destination, and uses the track-changing mechanisms to switch the circular railcar between different tracks, completing the cargo transportation and storage tasks. Furthermore, when the circular railcar requires maintenance, upkeep, or repair, the track-changing mechanisms perform real-time track-changing buffering or directly guide it to the maintenance station, simplifying the maintenance and upkeep process and facilitating its use.

[0044] This utility model also proposes a storage device, which includes the circular railcar transportation system described above. By applying the aforementioned track-changing mechanism, the circular railcar in the storage device can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs, improving the flexibility of cargo transportation. Furthermore, by achieving rapid, stable, and reliable track switching between the main track 100 and the auxiliary track 200, the maintenance and upkeep procedures of the circular railcar are simplified.

[0045] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A track-changing mechanism, characterized in that, include: The device is used for switching between a main track (100) and a secondary track (200) for a circular track vehicle. It includes a support platform (300) and a drive assembly (330). The support platform (300) is provided with a first track (310). The drive assembly (330) is used to drive the support platform (300) to move so that the first track (310) is connected to the main track (100) or the secondary track (200).

2. The track-changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first track (310) has a gap with the main track (100) or the secondary track (200), and the gap is no greater than 1 mm.

3. The track-changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main track (100) is used to carry multiple of the circular railcars, and the secondary track (200) is used to buffer at least one of the circular railcars; And / or, the main track (100), the secondary track (200) and the first track (310) are all in the shape of an "I".

4. The track-changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second track (320), along which the support platform (300) moves, and the second track (320) is perpendicular to the first track (310).

5. The track-changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second track (320), the support platform (300) moves along the second track (320), the second track (320) is a straight slide rail, and the bottom of the support platform (300) is provided with a guide slider, which is engaged with the second track (320).

6. The track-changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (330) includes a drive component, a transmission component, and a passive component. The drive component is connected to the support platform (300). The drive component drives the transmission component to move. The passive component is fixedly installed. The transmission component interacts with the passive component to move the support platform (300).

7. The track-changing mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The passive component includes a rack (333), the transmission component includes a gear (332), and the driving component includes a motor (331). The motor (331) drives the gear (332) to rotate, and the gear (332) meshes with the rack (333) for transmission.

8. The track-changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning component (400), which includes a mounting rod (410), a sensing component (420) connected to the mounting rod (410), and a controller. The controller is electrically connected to the drive component (330) and the sensing component (420). The sensing component (420) is used to acquire position information when the first track (310) is connected to the main track (100) and the secondary track (200), and send it to the controller to control the drive component (330) to stop running.

9. A circular railcar transportation system, characterized in that, Includes one or more track-changing mechanisms as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A storage equipment, characterized in that, Including the circular railcar transportation system as described in claim 9.

Images